Suppository: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'supponere' which means 'to put under' or 'to place under'.
• The term has been in use since the early 16th century, originally referring to anything placed beneath another.

Medical Use

• Suppositories are often used for delivering medication when patients cannot take pills or liquids, such as in children or during certain medical conditions.
• They can deliver medications like pain relievers, laxatives, and even hormones directly into the bloodstream for quicker effects.

Historical Context

• Ancient Egyptians and Greeks used methods similar to suppositories for medicinal purposes, often using plants and herbs.
• In medieval times, various forms of internal remedies were used in Europe, suggesting a long history of internal medicine practices.

Forms and Varieties

• There are various types of suppositories, including those made from cocoa butter, glycerin, or polyethylene glycol, serving different medicinal purposes.
• Some suppositories are designed for local effects, like treating hemorrhoids, while others aim for systemic effects, like medication distribution in the body.

Pop Culture

• Despite its medical use, suppositories often evoke humor in films and television due to their unexpected method of administration.
• Several comedians and authors have referenced the use of suppositories in their works, highlighting the taboo and discomfort surrounding the topic.

This word's position of #31,233 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 31231 defacing
• 31232 whittling
• 31233 suppository
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